Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant cocktail that combines the smoothness of tequila with the refreshing flavors of orange juice and a splash of grenadine.
- 5 min
- Easy
- Highball glass
- 4 ingredients
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients
- Tequila1½ oz
- Orange juice3 oz
- Grenadine½ oz
- Orange½ slice
Method
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the tequila and orange juice.
- Add the grenadine and let it sink. Do not stir.
- Garnish with the orange slice.
What you need
Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
A long bar spoon
Long enough to reach the bottom of a tall glass, with a twisted stem.
See on Amazon ↗The hero bottle
A Mexican spirit made from blue agave, mostly in Jalisco, and legally limited to five states. Most bottles are around 38 to 40% ABV. Blanco tastes of sweet cooked agave, pepper and citrus. Reposado and añejo pick up vanilla, caramel and oak from the barrel.
See 30 Tequila drinksWhere it comes from
Created in the 1970s in Phoenix, Arizona, the Tequila Sunrise became famous when The Eagles referenced it in their song of the same name. The drink's visual gradient resembles a sunrise, making it Instagram-famous before Instagram existed.
Tips from the bar
- Pour grenadine last so it sinks and creates layers
- Use fresh orange juice
- Serve over ice in a tall glass
- Garnish with cherry and orange slice
Twists worth trying
- Tequila Sunset
- Uses blackcurrant cordial instead of grenadine
- Mexican Sunrise
- Adds lime juice for tartness
- Tropical Sunrise
- Adds pineapple juice for tropical notes
What to eat with it
- Breakfast dishes
- Mexican cuisine
- Fresh fruits
- Cheese and crackers
- Brunch items
The finished drink
Questions
What is in a Tequila Sunrise?
A Tequila Sunrise is made with tequila, orange juice, grenadine, orange.
What glass do you use for a Tequila Sunrise?
Serve a Tequila Sunrise in a highball glass.
What does a Tequila Sunrise taste like?
Expect sweet, fruity, refreshing.
What can I make with Tequila?
We have 30 drinks built around Tequila. See them all on the Tequila page.
Spec checked against IBA. Reviewed November 7, 2026
More with Tequila
Every Tequila drink →One good drink, every Friday.
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